Sunday, March 15, 2009

2nd week

Well, as I suspected our opening night audience in Bromley was a lot quieter than my great week in Edinburgh. I had to adjust to the idea that they were coming to see a musical about Jolson and not Allan Stewart in a musical about Jolson (if you know what I mean) Anyway as the week progressed it really came together and I felt I turned a major corner by Thursday. I cant thank Donna and Chris enough for their patience. They were so solid every time I veered off the script. They just carried on and pulled me back in again. Thanks, you are great. Ed Curtis (director) was over the moon on Thursday and other than the fact that his car was locked in a car park and we were stranded in Bromley, he's still a great guy. Once or twice in life the stars all align and everything comes together. That's what we have at the moment. Ok off to Stoke next week ......what can I say.

Friday, March 06, 2009

Wow!!!

Well, what an opening. As far as I was concerned my performance had been a bit up and down up till the official opening night (Tuesday), but it all came together on the opening night....good idea for a song. The audience were amazing and Donna and Chris were sensational. Donna has managed to get a round of applause on every exit...no mean feat. Everyone was over the moon and we had drinks at Hendrix after meeting the cooooncilors and the Mayor. It turns out that Sir Tom Farmer is a Jolson fan and he wants to come back and sit at the front so he can sing along with me.

We are also knocked out with the Reviews. The Scotsman, 4 stars, The Daily Record 4 stars, The Herald 4 stars and they all raved. As expected Dibden of the Evening News liked the show but as he always does, had a pop at me. But you know the old saying "sticks and stones may break by bones but Dibden cant hurt....my box office" I think thats what it is. We've broken box office records so what can I say.

So its off to Bromley next week and I'm sure a more sedate audience. I wonder if we'll get them on their feet every night.

Sunday, March 01, 2009

Jolson and Company "Open"

Well what can I say. It has been the best 4 weeks of my career. I have loved every minute of the whole process. Ed Curtis, (the director) Donna Steele (costar) Chris Howell (costar) have been a dream to work with. Michael Harrison (the producer) has surrounded me with the best technicians possible. Lighting, sound, musicians, designers are all the best I have worked with. I cant believe we didn't have one angry word in 4 weeks. Just laughs. We are all on the same wave length as far as humour goes. Captain Cherub (Ed) had the line of the week. My memory for lines is not the best in the world (that's an understatement) anyway at the tech rehearsal I suggested taking my jacket off in a particular scene. Ed said "yes but don't you have enough to forget" clever. Also on the same subject. Chris asked if a line had been cut because he forgot it. Ed said no. Donna said if that was the case the show would be called .....AND COMPANY. I think I've managed to hold my own though.

So we open officially on Tuesday. So lets see what the critics say. I'm not holding my breath though you can never know what makes a critic happy. The audiences have been amazing the first three shows. Standing up and screaming. What more can you ask for. Also business up here in Edinburgh is incredible.

So, oh....must mention Holly, our DSM, I didn't mention her in my last blog and she was upset. Holly Holly Holly.

Jane flew up for the first three shows and loved them. She didn't know what to expect and was totally knocked out. So we are off and running. I have a lot to do to get my performance to where I want it to be, but I'm at a great starting point.